Flying the flag for Carlisle

Parks and gardens achieve 'Green Flag' awards

It's official - Carlisle's Bitts Park, Hammond's Pond, Carlisle Cemetery grounds and Tullie House gardens are some of the best green spaces in England and Wales.

The winners of the 2007/8 Green Flag Award, the national standard for parks and green spaces, were announced today (Tuesday, 17 July). The Carlisle City Council parks and gardens were four of 551 green spaces across England and Wales to achieve the standard.

Covering more than 18 acres, it is the fifth time Bitts Park has been awarded a Green Flag. Hammond's Pond has also been granted the distinction for the third time and Carlisle Cemetery and Tullie House are both first time winners.

Carlisle City Cllr Ray Bloxham, Portfolio holder for Environment and Infrastructure said:

The Green Flag awards are another stamp of approval for Carlisle and its green spaces.

This year's award is testament to the countless hours of hard work put in by the Council's grounds staff. They ensure that we have areas of great beauty and tranquillity which benefit our residents and visitors alike.

The Green Flag Award scheme is the national standard for parks and green spaces. It is managed by the Civic Trust. The scheme recognises the value of green spaces in communities, particularly urban environments, and rewards excellent standards of park management.

Carlisle was awarded a Silver award in the prestigious Britain In Bloom horticultural competition in 2004 and a Cumbria in Bloom Silver Gilt in 2005 and Silver in 2006.The city is entered in the Cumbria in Bloom Competition again this year. Judging will take place next Tuesday (24 July).